Former Wyoming Governor Jim Geringer Joins ESRI 10.02.2003

October 2, 2003

Former Wyoming lawmaker will advocate for Geographic Information
System industry.

Former Wyoming Governor Jim Geringer has joined
ESRI, the top provider of geographic information system (GIS)
software. Geringer, a strong advocate for technology in government,
completed his second term as governor in January 2003. Prior to the
governorship, he served in the Wyoming legislature for 12 years.

"We are delighted to have Jim as a member of our team," says Jack
Dangermond, ESRI president. "During his time in office, he championed
the benefits of data sharing and enterprisewide solutions. Jim will be a
tremendous asset to the GIS industry as he continues his efforts to
enhance business and public policy choices with the power of spatial
technology."

As a spokesperson for ESRI and the GIS industry, Geringer hopes to
spread the message that GIS technology leads to better decision
making. "I've always been interested in ways that we can better inform
the public and provide for greater involvement by them. My
concentration will be in the public sector but, beyond that, I want to
help senior executives of every kind understand the power of better
decisions with this kind of visualization software," says Geringer.
The state of Wyoming has used GIS technology since 1986 for
engineering and, under Geringer's leadership, has expanded its use in
other areas such as land and wildlife management, social services,
transportation, and environmental monitoring. Geringer says the goal of
these efforts was to increase communication and data sharing between
and among various agencies at different government levels-federal,
state, and local-resulting in better management and greater efficiency
in government.

Geringer is a past chair of the Western Governors' Association. He has
done extensive policy development work for all levels of education and,
as governor, has promoted the connection of all Wyoming schools to
the Internet and to each other. In addition, he helped the Western
Governors' University achieve online status.